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Iron Maiden’s New Drummer Echoes Clive Burr for Bruce Dickinson

In a recent revelation, Bruce Dickinson expressed that the newly appointed Iron Maiden drummer, Simon Dawson, reminded him of the legendary Clive Burr, who was a pivotal member during the band’s groundbreaking years. This comparison arose during a trial session last year, where the band was taken aback by Dawson’s ability to seamlessly integrate into their dynamic. They realized that he could effectively step in for the outgoing drummer Nicko McBrain at a moment’s notice, should the need arise, showcasing his impressive skills.

After announcing his retirement due to ongoing health challenges, McBrain concluded his last tour with the band, creating a unique opportunity for Dawson, who is also a member of Steve HarrisBritish Lion. As they prepare for their upcoming return in May, Dawson will take his place behind the drum kit, marking a new chapter for the iconic band.

READ MORE: Watch Nicko McBrain Play His Last Iron Maiden Show

“We had hoped that Nick would be able to join us on this tour, but there were moments during the last show that raised concerns,” Dickinson shared during an insightful interview at the Musicians’ Institute in Hollywood. He elaborated, “We were genuinely worried about his health and did not want to see him in a hospital bed, so it was crucial for us to have a backup plan in place. Steve Harris suggested Simon, and while we were all eager to consider him, we were uncertain about how well it would work,” he reflected.

Once McBrain agreed, the band organized a rehearsal at a studio in Portland, OR, to assess how Dawson would handle the material. “Honestly, I was pleasantly shocked by his performance,” Dickinson reported enthusiastically. “We ran through the entire set without taking a break, which is no small feat. This drummer had not practiced with anyone before; he simply arrived and played with Maiden. We managed to get through the whole set, and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, we could actually perform a show tonight if necessary. That’s simply unreal!’”

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Understanding Iron Maiden’s Decision to Choose Dawson Over Established Drummers for 2025

Dickinson confirmed that several prominent musicians were considered for McBrain’s position; however, he noted, “While these drummers possess exceptional skills, they all seemed intent on emulating Nick’s unique style. But let’s be clear, you cannot replace Nicko McBrain; attempting to create a clone of him is not the solution. What we truly need is a drummer who can interpret our material while injecting their personal flair into it,” he explained.

During the rehearsal with Dawson, Dickinson drew a parallel to Clive Burr, who was instrumental in shaping the sound of Maiden on their early albums, Iron Maiden, Killers, and The Number of the Beast, before being succeeded by McBrain in 1982. “At certain moments during that rehearsal, I could almost close my eyes and feel like Clive Burr was back in the band,” Dickinson remarked. “Dawson possesses that distinct feel and big band swing that Burr was known for. He shares similar influences, and I was genuinely amazed. I’m truly excited about what’s to come!”

Watch Bruce Dickinson’s Interview

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Gallery Credit: Bryan Rolli

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.